Are you looking for the Top Scholarships in Finland for International Students 2026? If you are reading this after January 21st, you might be panicking because the “Main Joint Application” window has just closed.
Don’t panic. The door is NOT closed.
While the primary application round has ended, a massive opportunity called “Rolling Admission” is currently active. Many top Finnish Universities of Applied Sciences (UAS) and research universities keep their portals open until March or even May 2026.
In this guide, we will reveal the scholarships that are still open right now, the deadlines you must hit, and how to use the Studyinfo.fi portal to secure a fully funded seat in the world’s happiest country.
Verdict: Which Scholarships Are Still Open? (As of Jan 22, 2026)
| University | Scholarship/Waiver Type | Deadline | Status |
| LUT University | Early Bird (€6,000) + Waivers | March 31, 2026 | 🟢 OPEN |
| Centria UAS | Tuition Discounts (Early Bird) | May 31, 2026 | 🟢 OPEN |
| LAB UAS | Rolling Admission Waivers | March 31, 2026 | 🟢 OPEN |
| Arcada UAS | Separate Application Waivers | May 21, 2026 | 🟢 OPEN |
| Finland Gov. Scholarship | 100% Tuition + €5,000 Grant | Closed (Jan 21) | 🔴 Closed |
| Aalto University | 100% Tuition Waiver | Closed (Jan 21) | 🔴 Closed |
Key Takeaway: The “Finland Government Scholarship” (the famous 100% + €5,000 grant) is mostly tied to the Jan 7-21 round. However, the universities listed above offering Rolling Admission still provide Tuition Waivers (which act as scholarships) and Early Bird Discounts that save you thousands of Euros.
1. Why Finland? (The “Type A” Permit Secret)
Before we dive into the open scholarships, you need to understand why you are applying. In 2026, Finland introduced a game-changing law for international students.
The New Student Visa Rule
- Old Rule: Students received a “Type B” (Temporary) residence permit. It did NOT count towards Permanent Residency (PR).
- New 2026 Rule: International students now receive a “Type A” (Continuous) Residence Permit.
- The Benefit: The 4 years you spend studying for your Bachelor’s or PhD count 100% towards the 4-year requirement for Citizenship.
- Translation: You could theoretically be eligible for Finnish Citizenship immediately after graduation if you pass the language test.
This makes Finland the #1 Study Destination for students seeking long-term settlement, beating Canada and the UK in 2026.
2. LUT University Scholarships (Rolling Admission)
- Status: 🟢 OPEN
- Deadline: March 31, 2026
- Level: Bachelor’s (English Taught)
LUT University (Lappeenranta-Lahti University of Technology) is one of the few research universities that offers a Rolling Admission window for its Bachelor’s programs. This is a rare chance to get into a top-tier tech university after the main deadline.
The “Early Bird” Discount
LUT does not offer a “Full Ride” for the first year in rolling admission, but they offer a massive discount that functions like a partial scholarship.
- Value: €6,000 discount on your first-year tuition.
- Requirement: You must accept your study offer and pay the remaining tuition fee within 21 days of admission.
- Tuition Cost (After Scholarship): ~€7,500 (Engineering) or ~€8,000 (Business).
Second Year Waiver (The Real Deal)
Here is where it gets fully funded.
- Year 2 & 3: If you complete 60 ECTS credits in your first year (basically, pass all your classes), LUT grants you a €6,000 waiver for the next year.
- Target: Engineering, Technology, and Business students.
Apply to LUT Rolling Admission Here
3. Centria UAS Scholarships (The “Flexible” Choice)
- Status: 🟢 OPEN
- Deadline: May 31, 2026
- Level: Bachelor’s & Master’s
Centria University of Applied Sciences is famous for being incredibly international-friendly. Their Rolling Admission is open until late May, making it the perfect “Backup Plan” if you missed the January deadline.
The Scholarship Structure
Centria uses a straightforward “Early Bird” system.
- Early Bird Discount: €1,500 off your first year’s tuition.
- Tuition Fee: Ranges from €7,000 to €8,500 depending on the program.
- MBA Scholarship: For Master’s students, Centria offers similar waivers based on academic performance in the first semester.
Why Choose Centria?
- SAP Certification: Centria integrates SAP (Systems Applications and Products) training into their Business degree, a skill that is highly employable in Europe.
- Low Cost of Living: Located in Kokkola, rent is significantly cheaper (€300-€400/month) than in Helsinki.
Apply to Centria UAS Rolling Admission Here
From Our Channel
4. LAB University of Applied Sciences (The Design Hub)
- Status: 🟢 OPEN
- Deadline: March 31, 2026
- Level: Bachelor’s
If you are interested in Industrial Design, IT, or Paramedic Nursing, LAB University is your best bet. Their rolling admission specifically targets international students who have their documents ready.
The 50% Scholarship
- Value: 50% Tuition Fee Waiver.
- Eligibility: Awarded to students who graduate within the target time (e.g., complete 60 credits per year).
- Note: You usually pay the full fee for Year 1, and the scholarship kicks in from Year 2 as a reward for good grades.
Apply to LAB UAS Rolling Admission Here
5. Arcada University of Applied Sciences
- Status: 🟢 OPEN (For specific programs)
- Deadline: May 21, 2026 (Separate Application)
Arcada is located in Helsinki (the capital) and is highly prestigious. While their main programs closed in Jan, they often have a “Separate Application” round for programs that didn’t fill their quota or for specific top-up degrees.
Programs Often Available in Spring:
- International Business
- Mechanical and Sustainable Engineering
- Information Technology
Scholarship Details
- Bachelor’s: Scholarships cover up to 50% of tuition.
- Master’s: Scholarships available for top performers.
- Early Bird: €4,000 discount if you accept the offer early.
Check Arcada Separate Application Here
6. The “Finland Government Scholarship” (For 2027 Planning)
- Status: 🔴 CLOSED (Jan 21 Deadline)
I am including this so you know what you missed (or what to aim for next year). This is the “Holy Grail” of Finnish scholarships.
- Value: 100% Tuition Waiver + €5,000 Relocation Grant.
- Eligibility: Master’s students only.
- Universities: Aalto, Helsinki, Tampere, Oulu, etc.
- Application Window: Always January 3 – January 18 (approx). Mark your calendar for 2027.
7. EDUFI Fellowships (For PhD Students)
- Status: 🟢 OPEN YEAR-ROUND
- Value: €1,900 / month grant.
If you are looking for a PhD, the deadlines above do NOT apply to you. PhD positions in Finland are treated as “Jobs.”
- How it works: You find a supervisor at a Finnish university who agrees to host you.
- The Grant: The Finnish National Agency for Education (EDUFI) provides a monthly allowance of €1,900 for up to 12 months.
- Who is it for? Young researchers from outside Finland.
Read about EDUFI Fellowships Here
8. How to apply for the Top Scholarships in Finland?
Applying for Rolling Admission is different from the Joint Application. Here is your battle plan.
Step 1: Verify Eligibility
- Ensure you have your High School Certificate (WAEC/NECO/A-Levels) ready.
- English Test: Most rolling admissions REQUIRE an English test (IELTS 6.0 / TOEFL 60-80). Unlike the joint application where some waivers exist, rolling admission is stricter on this because it’s fast-tracked.
Step 2: Go to Studyinfo.fi
- This is the only official portal. Do not use agents who charge money.
- Search for “Rolling Admission” or the specific university name (e.g., “LUT Rolling”).
Step 3: Upload Documents
- Scan your passport and transcripts in PDF.
- Upload them to the portal.
Step 4: The Interview
- Many UAS (like Centria and LAB) will invite you to an online interview or send you a “Video Task” where you record yourself answering questions.
- Tip: Be professional. Dress well and ensure your background is clean.
How to Apply
9. Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) – Top Scholarships in Finland
Q: Can I apply without IELTS for Rolling Admission? A: It depends. LAB UAS and LUT typically require IELTS/TOEFL or SAT scores for rolling admission. Centria sometimes accepts certificate-based selection if you have excellent grades in English, but having an IELTS is the safest bet for these late rounds.
Q: Are these scholarships fully funded? A: The “Rolling Admission” scholarships are usually Partial (50% to Early Bird discounts). Fully funded (100% + Stipend) scholarships are almost exclusively found in the Jan 7-21 Joint Application round. However, a 50% waiver still makes Finland cheaper than the UK or Canada.
Q: Can I bring my family? A: Yes! As a Master’s or Bachelor’s student, your spouse and children can apply for residence permits. Your spouse will have the unrestricted right to work in Finland.
Q: What is the cost of living? A:
- Helsinki: €800 – €1,200 / month.
- Lappeenranta/Kokkola/Oulu: €500 – €800 / month.
- Note: You must show €6,720 in your bank account for your residence permit application (approx. €560/month).
Final Thoughts: Act Fast
The “Main” door has closed, but the “Side” door (Rolling Admission) is wide open. These universities—LUT, Centria, LAB—are actively looking to fill their remaining seats.
Do not wait until March. Rolling admission means “First Come, First Served.” Once the seats are full, they close the portal even if the deadline hasn’t passed.
Start your application on Studyinfo.fi today.
